Why does a crash on the M6 cause chaos around Preston and what might improve it?

Preston is at the centre of a massive motorway network, which is good for logistics and commuting- M6/M55/M61/M65.
This is a common sight on the M6This is a common sight on the M6
This is a common sight on the M6

But that means if there is a crash, everything backs up in every direction. The A6 towards Garstang, Chorley and into Preston is always particuarly badly hit.

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Your reaction to today's M6 motorway chaos in Lancashire

However, if you want to get from one side of Preston to the other, it narrows your options - you have to go through town, leaving Strand Road, Garstang Road and Walton-le-Dale congested.

This is a common sight on the M6This is a common sight on the M6
This is a common sight on the M6

What would improve congestion?

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The road improvement works underway as a part of the Big City deal are supposed to help congestion, but are still a nightmare when there is a major incident.

The one thing which might help would be another bridge across the Ribble, linking South Ribble to Preston New Road and taking traffic destined for Blackpool and the Fylde away from the centre of Preston